Daniel Masterson

Daniel Masterson

Biography

Dan Masterson is the longest serving faculty member at RCC. He came to the College in 1964 after a multifaceted career spanning such diverse occupations as narrator, disc jockey, lay missionary worker, advertising copywriter, theatrical public relations director and high school teacher.

Professor Masterson is most widely recognized for his poetry. He was appointed Poet Laureate of Rockland County in 2009 and Poet-in-Residence at RCC in 2012 – the first so named for each post. He has authored five collections of poetry, and his narrative and lyric verses have appeared in an eclectic array of journals, magazines and anthologies. He has given more than 1,000 poetry readings, lectures and seminars on the national poetry circuit.

As Poet-in-Residence, Professor Masterson works with students both at RCC and at local high schools to enhance their understanding and appreciation of poetry, and to mentor budding poets in the creation of their own work.

A recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, Professor Masterson also served for 18 years as an adjunct full professor at Manhattanville College, directing the poetry and screenwriting programs. Syracuse University, his alma mater, assumed stewardship of “The Dan Masterson Papers” in 2006.